San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1887-03-11

| he said, cOldly. 1t may as well be now
as later. Proceed"
The proud color surged into her face.
His icy tone gave her the courage she
needed.
"You and have made mistake, Mr..
Castleton. Let us rectify it while we
may"
"You refer to our engagement9"
"Yes."
"You think 1t should be annulled?"
He was looking at her steadily, his
face very pale.
II DOB she replied. ITO persist in
the error would ruin the happiness of
both our lives. release you from your
VOWS, and ask to be released in turn"
I-I--expected this" he said, with
an effort.
Dead silence for moment. Sylvia
was startled at the look of mute agony
that crossed his face. She was watch
ing to see it grow radiant with joy.
Il do not know your plans-or even
wish to know them" he proceeded,
huskily, at length. But will release
you upon one condition-thaty you make
no change at once, but continue to re-
side at Ingleside as at present."
"YOu-you are very cruel!" she cried
out. clasping her hands.
Something is due to me a. your
guardian. Do you promisew
"Yes-since it must be So"
Then she left him.
Twenty four hours later Isabel knock
ed at the door of Sylvia's dressing
room. where the latter was fighting the
hardest battle of her whole life. 1t is
not a pleasant thing to see all that one
most prizes slip hopelessly from the
grasp.
II have come to tell you how happy
am" Isabel said, her brilliant face
glowing with triumph. Now am in
different whether you leave Ingleside
or remain"
Sylvia did not raise her eyes. After
studying the lines of her face intently
moment, Isabel proceeded:
"Of course you know what mean.
Mr.. Castleton and have come to an
understanding. You we're so kind as
to release him from his engagement to
you, it appears. | never saw a man so
relieved. He is like another person. 1
think he would have lost his reason had
you persisted in holding him to his
promise"
No response. Poor Sylvia felt as
though cold wind were blowing over
her.
At length Isabel spoke again, with
light, hooking laugh.
wish me happiness. We are to be
married six weeks from to-day"
1t was then that Sylvia turned, with
flash Of sudden spirit:
BE good enough to leave the room.
/ wished you would never enter it
again"
u, lndeedl curing ner naughty lip.
The next time Sylvia saw Mr.. Castle
ton she fancied he looked more worn
and haggard than ever. There was no
visible sign OF the happiness and rellef
TO which ISABEL mad referred. lie
summed every body, spending much of
his time locked into the library. where
ne could be heard walking the noor IN
cessantly.
One morning he was summoned I'M
expectedly from home. 1t was late In
the afternoon Wnen ne returned isa-
bel, Sylvia and Mrs. Dalton were all in
the drawlng-room when ne entered with
staggering step, and sank heaVlly INTO
ehalr.
II am ruined mani" ne groaned.
Isabel rose, her face very pale, and
crossed TO his SIDE.
mRulned, MAXI she repeated.
What 40 you meanr
nave peeh specuiaIihs rashiy' anu
losG an.
~ Gah De. tou are SeS!hiS. -,
ultter sinlie crossed his naggaru
race; san
" Iooh Iihe itI 1He hlneS III
which nau sCake9 my ior'uhe nave
proved an utter ialluTe.
Isabel drew deep oreath. ~
IDS every Ihing gohe-nome' IorCuhe'
aliE
M nj rear so. ill.,. rI., 49,,
1nere was slIehce; lsapel $1,000
inusing, her pro"s kIlV' shauo" on
heI 1ace ,-s...,,,.,
Iat Inlsl9Iatue! sue eAcIaiiIeu,
presently, ana leie 'he room Without
announcer worn. e,,
sylvia was shocked. scarcely know,
NJ ~ TnatI sno VS. 90 d ha3f, one hoth M,
own r, o"''i0''N N'iU 00'"0oN '0'1 A'A
own. .
II am very sorry, sne murmured:
ut is dreadful blow for you. IL"
The sweet voice faltered. Suddenly
bursting into tears. she rushed from
fine room
Oh ,,,nn+ 5or,r m brool,fost tba.next
Sne MeiiU uow W. W sI w T,ntIo
Inornlhg iater tlinil "sual' MI Saseie
ton ana MIS-. Daltoh were oo1h present
only Isabel's place was vacant. After
n hrief delay one of fine servants was
sent to summon her. The girl came
back frightened.
Miss Grier is not in her ROOM" she
announced. II am sure she has left
the house. This note was lying on the